How do I use zoom on Facebook portal?

Zoom has become an essential tool for video conferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many people working and learning remotely, services like Zoom allow us to stay connected face-to-face. Facebook recognized the demand for video calling solutions and integrated Zoom into their Portal video chat devices in 2020.

Using Zoom on Portal is easy and doesn’t require any additional software downloads. As long as you have a Zoom account, you can start or join Zoom calls directly from your Portal. Read on to learn how to use Zoom on the Facebook Portal and connect with family, friends, classmates, and coworkers remotely.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows users to meet virtually via video call. Some key features of Zoom include:

HD video and audio – Zoom calls use high-definition video and audio for crystal clear video chatting.
Screen sharing – Meet participants can share their screens to give presentations, collaborate on documents, show videos, and more.
Virtual backgrounds – You can customize your background so others only see the backdrop you choose instead of your environment.

Meeting recording – Zoom meetings can be recorded locally or to the cloud for later viewing.
Security features – Zoom offers password protection, waiting rooms, and host controls to ensure meeting security and privacy.
Group messaging – Chat with other meeting participants using group or private messages.

With a free Zoom account, you can host 40-minute video meetings with up to 100 participants. Paid subscriptions allow for longer meetings, larger meeting sizes, and additional capabilities.

How to Use the Facebook Portal

Before you can use Zoom on the Portal, it’s important to understand how to use Facebook Portal in general. Here is an overview of the Facebook Portal and key hardware features:

Display Screen – The Portal features an immersive touch screen for viewing video calls. The larger Portal+ model has a 15.6 inch HD display while the Portal and Portal Mini have 10 inch screens.

Camera – Portal devices have an AI-powered camera that automatically pans and zooms to follow users during video calls. Portal TV has an ultra wide-angle camera.
Microphone – Far-field microphones allow users to be heard from anywhere in the room. Smart Sound enhances the voice and reduces background noise.
Speakers – Built-in speakers deliver premium sound quality on both ends of the call.

Controls – There are simple controls for volume, muting the mic, camera calls, and more. Use “Hey Portal” voice commands or the touch screen.
Cables – Power cord and wall adapter for electricity. Some models can be mounted.

With that hardware overview in mind, here are the basics of using Portal day-to-day:

Plug in and set up the Portal device using the Facebook Portal mobile app.
Connect your Facebook account and Messenger.
Use the home screen to place calls, view photos, launch apps and access settings.

Swipe down from the top for notifications like incoming calls, messages and reminders.
Call your Facebook friends or contacts through Messenger.
Use Alexa built-in to listen to music, get news, control smart home devices and more.

View your favorite photos and memories or use as a digital picture frame.

Facebook Portal makes it easy to stay in touch through an intuitive interface and voice commands. Now let’s look at how to specifically use Zoom once you have the basics of Portal down.

Setting Up Zoom on Portal

Before hosting or joining any Zoom meetings, you first need to connect your Zoom account to your Portal device. Here’s how to do it in just a few quick steps:

From your Portal home screen, tap on the Zoom app icon.
Select “Log in with Zoom.” Do not choose “Sign in with Facebook.”
A code will appear on your Portal screen. Open the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device.

In the Zoom app, click on “Portal” and select “Connect to Portal.”
Enter the code displayed on your Portal to connect your accounts.
Log into your Zoom account or sign up for a free Zoom account if needed.

Once connected, your Portal device will automatically open the Zoom app when joining meetings. You can also launch Zoom at any time. Now let’s look at hosting and joining Zoom meetings.

Starting a Zoom Meeting

As the meeting host, you can start instant Zoom meetings using your Portal. Here’s how:

Open the Zoom app on your Portal and select “New Meeting.”

Your meeting ID will be generated. Tap the share icon to share the meeting ID with participants.
As participants join, their video streams will appear on your Portal automatically.
Select “Call using Portal” to audio or video call any participants through Messenger.

You have full host controls like screen sharing, recording, muting participants, and more right from the Portal interface. Use voice commands to start and stop recording or mute everyone. Tap controls on screen to access other options.

Joining a Zoom Meeting

Need to join a Zoom meeting as a participant? Here is the process:

Open the Zoom app and tap on “Join.”

Enter the meeting ID provided by the host.
Enter your name so the host knows who is joining.
Select if you want your video or just audio on.

Tap “Join Meeting” and you’re in!

The meeting controls will appear on your Portal screen once you join. You can mute/unmute your mic, start/stop video, and leave the meeting. Tap the screen for chat, raise hand and other options.

Zoom Meeting Controls on Portal

When hosting or participating in Zoom meetings on Portal, you have access to all the same meeting controls as the desktop or mobile apps. Here are the key controls and how to use them:

Audio & Video

Mute/unmute – Tap the mic icon to mute and unmute your microphone.
Start/Stop Video – Tap the camera icon to turn your video feed on or off.
Switch Camera – If you have an external camera connected, you can switch between the front-facing Portal camera and your external camera.

Meeting Settings

Invite – Invite other participants by sending invites through Messenger.
Participants – See who’s currently in the meeting and mute participants (host only).
Chat – Open the meeting chat window to chat with individuals or the group.

Record – Start, stop, pause and resume meeting recordings (host only).
Reactions – React during meetings by clapping, thumbs up and more.

Screen Sharing

Share Screen – Start sharing your screen with meeting participants (host only).

Stop Share – End your screen share.

Ending Meetings

Leave – Leave the meeting while it continues for other participants.
End Meeting – Completely end the Zoom meeting for all participants (host only).

Using Zoom Chat on Portal

Zoom’s group and private chat features make it easy to communicate with meeting participants without interrupting the speaker. Here’s an overview of using Zoom chat on Portal:

Open the meeting menu and select “Chat.”
The chat window will open on the right side of your Portal screen.

Select “Everyone” to send a message to the entire group.
Tap a participant’s name to start a private 1-on-1 chat with them.
Type your message and tap the arrow icon to send.

Tap any message to react with a thumbs up, heart, laugh, etc.
Close the chat window to exit.

The chat will remain available throughout the meeting so you can pop in and out of the conversation using Portal.

Customizing Your Zoom Appearance

Want to customize the way you appear in Zoom meetings? Portal gives you options to upgrade your video call looks:

Virtual Backgrounds – Select fun preset backgrounds or use your own images.
Customize Meeting Scene – Adjust lighting, color balance and your position in the frame.

AR Effects – Liven up meetings with augmented reality masks, hats and other effects.
Camera Effects – Add color, black & white or other photographic effects.

Tap the sparkle icon before or during meetings to access appearance settings. Make sure the Facebook Portal camera is selected and not your external webcam.

Using an External Webcam

The built-in Portal camera provides an excellent Zoom video call experience. But you can also connect an external webcam if desired. Here’s how:

Plug your USB webcam into the Portal TV or Portal+ with the USB adapter.
Join or start your meeting and tap the camera icon.

Select your external webcam from the list when prompted.
The webcam feed will now be shared in your Zoom meeting.
You can toggle between the Portal camera and webcam during meetings.

An external webcam allows for a different perspective or the ability to connect specialty webcams. But in most cases, the Portal camera will provide the best video quality.

How to Screen Share on Portal with Zoom

Screen sharing is a powerful collaboration tool on Zoom that lets you broadcast your desktop or mobile screen to other call participants. Here’s how meeting hosts can screen share using Portal:

During your Zoom meeting, tap “Share Screen.”

Select the screen you want to share – your Portal display, iPhone/iPad, or connected computer.
The screen will share to the meeting and appear on participants’ screens.
Meeting controls will overlay on your shared screen.

Tap “Stop Share” when finished sharing your screen.

The desktop or mobile device you want to share from must have the Zoom app installed and paired to your Portal. Follow the app setup instructions to enable screen sharing.

More Zoom Tips for Facebook Portal

Here are some additional tips and pointers for getting the most out of Zoom on Portal:

Use Portal in home mount or portrait orientation to see more meeting participants at once.
Pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers to Portal if you don’t want to use the built-in speakers.
Set up Alexa voice commands like “Alexa, start my meeting” or “Alexa, join my meeting.”

Charge Portal fully before longer meetings to prevent power loss during a call.
Adjust the camera position if needed so your face is centered in the frame.
Check lighting and reduce background noise around Portal for best video/audio quality.

Use AR masks and effects to make meetings more interactive and fun.

Tap into Portal’s tools and smart features to enhance your Zoom calls. Stay attentive to the meeting just like an in-person interaction.

Troubleshooting Zoom on Portal

Zoom integration with Portal generally works seamlessly. But technical issues can occasionally pop up. Try these troubleshooting tips if you run into any problems using Zoom on your Portal device:

Can’t Connect Zoom to Portal

Make sure you are using the same Zoom account on Portal and the mobile/desktop app trying to connect.
Verify the 6-digit code on Portal matches what is shown in the Zoom app during linking.
Restart the Zoom app and try connecting again.

Delete the linked Zoom account from Portal settings and re-link.

Zoom Meeting Freezes or Disconnects

Check your internet connection – move Portal closer to your router or access point.
Close other apps running in the background on Portal.

Turn Portal off and back on to reboot.
Restart your modem/router if connection issues persist.

Poor Audio or Video Quality

Make sure Portal volume is turned up for meeting audio.

Keep background noise to a minimum and mute when not speaking.
Avoid backlighting from bright windows or lights.
Don’t move outside of the Portal camera frame during meetings.

Reduce your Zoom resolution settings if bandwidth is limited.

Follow up with Zoom or Facebook Portal support for any connection issues that you can’t resolve. Troubleshoot your home network equipment, cables, and internet service if needed.

Conclusion

Zoom integration makes Facebook Portal an even more powerful communication tool for remote work, virtual classrooms, and staying connected with friends and family. With an intuitive interface optimized for video calling, Portal provides an all-in-one solution for seamless Zoom meetings.

Setting up Zoom on Portal only takes a few minutes before you’re ready to host or join video conferences. Key features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and AR effects help you look and sound your best on calls. And immersive Portal audio powered by AI helps conversations flow naturally.

So unlock the possibilities of Portal and Zoom to collaborate teams, teach classes, or chat with loved ones face-to-face – even when you’re physically apart. Just tap into Portal’s smart video features for more engaging and productive Zoom calls.